Vivek Agnihotri's Strong Rejoinder to Omar Abdullah's Scoffing at 'The Kashmir Files' National Award

Vivek Agnihotri's film 'The Kashmir Files' has emerged as a significant milestone in Indian cinema by clinching the prestigious Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Unity at the 69th National Film Awards. This accolade underscores the film's impact in stirring conversations about one of the most tumultuous periods in India's history. However, the movie's journey from inception to recognition has been marked by controversy and polarized opinions.

⁦@OmarAbdullah⁩ Sb, is this also a propaganda ? Additionally The constitution of the erstwhile while state of J&K did not protect the fundamental rights of its residents. Young leaders are expected to learn from past and correct the wrong . What do you say ? pic.twitter.com/bJgD4tWtlr

— Surinder Kaul (@surinderkauldr) August 25, 2023

'The Kashmir Files' recounts the harrowing experiences of Kashmiri Pandits who were forced to flee their homes in the 1990s due to violent insurgency. Despite its divisive nature, the film managed to resonate with a vast audience and performed impressively at the box office.

In a recent Twitter exchange, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah playfully noted the film's "National Unity" theme with laughing emojis. In response, Vivek Agnihotri acknowledged the comment, signifying the film's broader mission to promote national unity and understanding.

Watch #KashmirUnreported to Know the truth how @OmarAbdullah’s father and grandfather disintegrated Kashmir from Bharat. https://t.co/3MagyPfyNr

— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) August 25, 2023

Controversies and Divided Opinions

❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/oDyTGxY7bE

— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) August 25, 2023

'The Kashmir Files' faced its fair share of controversy, particularly when Israeli film producer Nadav Lapid, serving as the head of the jury at the Indian International Film Festival, labeled it as propaganda. This triggered a heated debate, with members of the Congress party accusing the film of spreading hatred, while the BJP staunchly defended it as a vehicle for unveiling the truth about the suffering of Kashmiri Pandits.

Release and Political Support

When the film was finally released in March 2022, it received unwavering support from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Six states governed by the BJP, including Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Haryana, Goa, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, granted the film a tax exemption. This move aimed to ensure that the film reached a wider audience, enabling more people to witness the poignant portrayal of the pain, suffering, struggle, and atrocities endured by Kashmiri Hindus in the 1990s.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, while announcing the tax exemption in his state, emphasized the film's significance in preserving the memory of a tragic chapter in Indian history. He underscored the importance of creating awareness and empathy among the masses.

- PTC PUNJABI